AFTER 47 YEARS OF SERVICE, COUNTY FIRE CHIEF RETIRES

by Michele Boy | September 21, 2023

Last Thursday, the Hamilton County Fire Department held their Fireman’s Appreciation Dinner. County Fire Chief Ed Baker and four other firefighters retired. 
Years of service awards were announced and those recognized were Ed Baker  who has served Hamilton County for 47.5 years, Seth Dikeman with 22 years, Rick Schmidt 26 years, and the Westeman brothers Boyd, Ed, and Mike all have served 20.5 years. 
In addition to Baker - Dikeman, Schmidt, Boyd Westeman, and Mike Westeman have all retired as of September 30.  
Baker recalls joining the County Fire Department in 1976. Steve Richards was the fire chief at the time. “We rolled out of the northeast corner of the garage where the museum is. We had three trucks at the time. There was probably 17 or 18 of us.”
Seven years later Baker became the County Fire Chief and held that position for the next 40 years. 
A lot has changed since he started. The station is bigger, more trucks, a station was added at Bear Creek, and a new one in Coolidge. 
Baker said, “We also purchased the JAWs for extrications.”
Baker remembers one of the biggest fires he was involved in. “It was out by Treg and Karey Hatcher’s place. It went south clear to a half a mile before the highway. It was the first time Dusty Dowd helped with a fire. He and his buddy flew 100 flights dropping water to help. Three counties were involved.”
Now that he is retiring, what memories does he have?
Baker said, “I have good comraderie, friends, some bad memories of accidents and some good memories too. More good than bad. But it’s time. I will still help out here and there.”
And what does he say to those interested in becoming a firefighter? 
“Apply. Do it. It’s volunteer. You don’t have to go to every fire. We ask that you go to as many meetings as you can to stay in compliance, but give it a try. “
Those staying on the department are Carlos Calderon, Cameron Coleman, Jeff Davis,  Travis Hines, Jason Ochs, Jerrin Phillips, Jordan Rider, Ben Stultz, Blake Upson, Ed Westeman, and Sarah Ochs as secretary/treasurer.
There have been discussions regarding combining the County and City of Syracuse Fire Departments. 
The issue was brought up by City Fire Chief David Stimatze at the September City Council meeting where the councilmembers discussed the pros and cons of combining.
The council was open to hearing what the Commissioners opinion was.
Stimatze said, “I thought it was a good time to open a discussion about possibly combining the departments. I mean we are all here for the community. I would like to see us come together.”
On Tuesday morning, Stimatze met with Hamilton County Commissioners to have a similar discussion. 
Commissioner Mike Lewis said, “I’m of the opinion if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” 
Commissioner Keith Puckett said, “If everyone says they want to merge, we can have that discussion. Until then we won’t force them to do it. They need to decided and if they want it, then come to the council and commissioners. Let the fire departments discuss this between themselves.”
 Commissioner Schwerdfeger said, “I would like to see some numbers. Will this save us anything.”
The county firefighters will vote on a  new county fire chief at the next Hamilton County Fire Department meeting next Thursday. 
To all the men who gave so many years of service, we thank you!